The Hanoon Foundation has been providing financial assistance to medical students from Al-Azhar University and the Islamic University of Gaza who have been stranded, displaced, or evacuated, many of whom have been separated from their families.
This project, partially funded by The Galilee Foundation, has continued throughout 2024, ultimately supporting over 150 students over the course of the year, helping with their living and educational expenses. This essential assistance has enabled them to overcome numerous challenges and continue their studies during an extraordinarily difficult time.
Check out their testimonials to gain insight into their powerful and moving stories.
Testimonials
81- Testimonial from Abdelhadi
“I am a second-year medical student from Gaza. Most of my family, including my parents, are still in Gaza, facing the daily struggles of life there. Being away from them is tough, and trying to focus on my studies while dealing with financial challenges has made it even harder.
Here in Egypt, where I’ve been displaced, life is becoming more difficult. Prices continue to rise, and finding an affordable apartment feels almost impossible. The stress of managing these challenges while studying has been overwhelming at times.
The Hanoon Foundation has truly been a blessing. Their support has helped ease some of the financial pressure, allowing me to focus on my education and take steps closer to achieving my dream of becoming a doctor.
I’m so thankful to the team at the Hanoon Foundation for their kindness and support. They’ve made such a big difference in my life during this very difficult time.”
Abdelhadi
82- Testimonial from Muath
“I’m a second-year medical student. I was studying in Gaza at Al-Azhar University and achieved a GPA of 94% in my first year. I began my second year in September 2023, but when the war broke out on the 7th of October, our dreams were shattered. My parents decided to evacuate me to Egypt to continue pursuing my dream or to seek any scholarship that would guarantee my education.
After that, I heard about your foundation and how it assists Palestinian students in Egypt, providing financial support to help cover expenses such as rent, food, clothes, and transportation for two months. This has had a significant positive impact on our lives, lightening the burden on us and our families during the war. We are deeply grateful to you for your kindness and humanity.”
Muath
83- Testimonial from Moataz
“I am a medical student from Al-Azhar University, Gaza, currently residing in Egypt due to the war in my homeland. Despite the challenges of displacement, I remain committed to continuing my education through online classes with my university.
However, I have faced significant obstacles, including limited access to reliable internet, electronic devices, and essential study materials. Receiving financial aid has been a transformative experience for me. It allowed me to secure the necessary resources to support my education, enabling me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about falling behind.
The process of receiving the aid was smooth and professional. I am deeply grateful for this support, which has greatly empowered me to pursue my academic goals despite the challenges I face.
Thank you for your efforts in making this possible.”
Moataz
84- Testimonial from Mohammed
“I am a second-year medical student originally from Gaza.
Most of my family still lives there, enduring the daily struggles of life. Being far from them has been emotionally challenging, and balancing my studies with financial difficulties has only added to the pressure.
Living in Belarus, where I have been displaced, has not been easy. The rising cost of living and the difficulty of finding affordable housing have made life increasingly stressful. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education and my dream of becoming a doctor.
I am deeply grateful to The Hanoon Foundation for their generous support, which has significantly eased my financial burden. Their assistance allows me to focus on my studies and move closer to achieving my goals. The kindness and encouragement from the Hanoon team have been a beacon of hope during this difficult time, and I sincerely hope for their continued support in the future.”
Mohammed
85- Testimonial from Soad
“I am a medical student from Gaza, and I have faced difficulties covering my study and daily living expenses here in Egypt due to the war, as well as the significant amount we paid to come here.
The financial aid I received has made a significant difference in my life, providing me with the moral support needed to continue my studies without worrying about costs. Amidst difficult circumstances and the loss of our source of income, this aid has been a crucial step that has allowed me to focus on my educational future.
Thank you for your support and effort.”
Soad
86- Testimonial from Mahmoud
“I am a medical student working diligently to pursue my studies despite facing financial challenges. Although I am deeply committed to achieving my goals, financial difficulties have made it difficult to afford some of the essential supplies required for my education.
The financial aid I received has helped me cover the costs of crucial study materials and tools that I could not afford on my own due to my limited resources.
This support has had a positive impact by enabling me to focus more on my studies without the burden of worrying about the cost of these basic necessities. I am sincerely grateful for this assistance, which has motivated me to continue striving toward my academic and professional aspirations.”
Mahmoud
87- Testimonial from Saadallah
“I am a third-year medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza. Due to the ongoing conflict, my family and I were forced to relocate to Egypt, which has significantly strained our financial situation. We are facing rising rental costs and have lost our family’s primary income source, which was derived from trade in Gaza.
My father is currently caring for my grandfather, who suffers from chronic illnesses that require substantial medical expenses. In addition, he is supporting my married sister and her family, as her husband has become unemployed due to the war. These cumulative responsibilities have placed an overwhelming burden on our household.
Recently, I was presented with an opportunity to further my medical education. However, the financial constraints my family is experiencing have made it extremely difficult to pursue this opportunity. Your generous contribution would not only help alleviate some of the financial pressure on my family but also enable me to continue my medical studies and contribute to my community in the future.”
Saadallah
88- Testimonial from Abdallah
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the generous financial assistance you provided. Your support arrived at a time when I was facing significant challenges due to the hardships caused by the war. With your help, I have been able to improve my living conditions and regain a sense of stability.
Your contribution has made an incredible difference in my life, alleviating many of the difficulties I was experiencing and enabling me to focus on rebuilding my future. The positive impact of your assistance has given me renewed hope and the motivation to persevere despite the obstacles I have faced.
Once again, I am deeply thankful for your kindness and generosity. Your support has been a beacon of light during a challenging time, and I will always remain grateful for it.”
Abdallah
89- Testimonial from Hadeel
“I am a 20-year-old medical student from Gaza, Palestine. I left Gaza a year ago due to the ongoing conflict and difficult living conditions. My family of 10 had to live in shared housing provided by the Russian government, as we couldn’t afford private rent, which deeply affected our stability.
I applied for this financial assistance with two main goals: to help my father secure private housing and to support some of my educational expenses. While I have not yet achieved the latter, your support has allowed us to pay for three months of rent for a private home, bringing much-needed stability.
Your generosity has made a significant difference in our lives, allowing me to reunite with my family under one roof for the first time in a year. I am truly grateful for your support and patience throughout this process, which has brought comfort and hope to my family and me. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.”
Hadeel
90-Testimonial from Lana
“I am a second-year medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza. I would like to thank the foundation for granting me financial assistance, which helped cover part of my university expenses and gave me the opportunity to continue my medical studies. Thank you very much.”
Lana
91- Testimonial from Ryad
I am a 19-year-old medical student from Gaza. I am currently living in Egypt and studying human medicine at Helwan University.
Due to the situation in Gaza and the necessity of travelling alone and relying on myself to live and study away from my family, I required this financial aid.
This financial aid has had a positive impact on my life, enabling me to enrol in university, become more independent, and succeed. It has helped me build a future for myself and contribute to society.
Ryad
92-Testimonial from Mohannad
“I am a third-year medical student currently residing in Egypt due to the ongoing situation in my homeland. I was compelled to spend a significant amount of money to escape the crisis. This money has been used to cover part of my tuition fees and to continue my journey towards fulfilling my dream and completing my education.”
Mohannad
93-Testimonial from Maram
“I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Azhar University, Gaza. As you are aware, due to the tragic events in our beloved Gaza Strip, we lost everything we owned. As a result, we had no choice but to leave my city, leaving behind all the memories I had made during my twenty-one years of life. I left with part of my family, while my father and older brothers remain in Gaza. We moved to Egypt in search of a new beginning.
I am now seeking support to cover the costs of living and to continue my studies. Since my studies are conducted online, I also require an electronic device. I am truly grateful for your understanding of my situation and your willingness to assist me.
Thank you very much.”
Maram
94- Testimonial from Imad
“I am a medical student from Gaza, currently living in Egypt. I came here alone, without my family, who remain in Gaza under the current war. I chose to embark on this journey independently to continue my education and build a better future.
Given the challenging circumstances in Gaza, this financial assistance has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. It has helped me cope with the difficult living conditions I face in exile, including covering the costs of housing, food, and other necessities for my studies. This support has allowed me to focus on my education without the constant burden of financial worries.
Not only has it enabled me to continue my studies, but it has also strengthened my ability to build a brighter future. For this, I am deeply grateful—thank you very much for your assistance.”
Imad
95- Testimonial from Yara
“I am a medical student from Gaza, Palestine. In October 2023, I was in Italy for a one-month internship when war broke out in Gaza, leaving me unable to return home. That moment turned my life upside down. I felt lost, far from my family, and uncertain about my future. But I refused to give up on my dream of becoming a doctor.
In October 2023, I completed my internship.
In March 2024, I joined a child and maternal care course at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for three months, recognised by the Catholic University of Rome. Despite the emotional toll and being alone in a foreign country, my determination only grew.
I decided to continue my studies and worked hard to transfer to the University of Milan, where I am now a 4th-year student in the International Medical Program. Learning Italian and adapting to a new system while dealing with everything I’d lost was overwhelming, but I pushed through.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of FQMS/Hanoon and its donors. You have been there for me when I needed it most, helping me not only financially but also emotionally. Your support gave me hope when I felt like I had nothing left. Thanks to you, I am still on my path, more determined than ever to make a difference as a doctor.
Thank you for believing in me and supporting me through every step of this difficult journey.
With deep appreciation,”
Yara